Senator Bill Wielechowski (D – Anchorage) and thread — Alaska’s statewide Child Care Resource and Referral agency are launching their 6th annual children’s book drive. A kick-off event was held on May 19th at the Fifth Avenue Mall. At the event, thread received donations of new and gently used children’s books, which will be given to children in the Anchorage community.
“Reading to children is a critical component of healthy brain development, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with your children and have quality time,” said Senator Wielechowski. “We are doing this drive so that more children in Anchorage have the opportunity to enjoy reading.”
Starting in Mid-June, collection bins for children’s books will be located near the customer service areas or front doors of all four Anchorage Fred Meyer locations (2300 Abbott Road, 2000 W. Dimond Boulevard, 7701 Debarr Road, 1000 E. Northern Lights Boulevard). Books can also be brought to thread at 3350 Commercial Drive., Suite 203.
“Donations of new and gently used children’s books will help brighten a child’s day and encourage more kids to read,” said Senator Wielechowski.
Books will be distributed to children at the 6th Annual Book Party in the Park on Thursday, August 16. The Book Party will take place from 4:00-7:00pm at the Garden Art Park in Mountain View (3350 Commercial Drive, Anchorage). This free family event promotes literacy and is open to the public. The book party includes storytelling, arts and crafts, snacks, door prizes, books for children of all ages, and other family- focused activities.
“thread’s Book Party in the Park provides a great opportunity for families to connect and discover the joy of reading together. One of thread’s core efforts is promoting early learning,” says Stephanie Berglund, CEO of thread. “Reading books and sharing stories is a great experience for families to have together.”
The Book Drive and Book Party in the Park are sponsored by Senator Wielechowski, thread, Fred Meyer Stores, ConocoPhillips Alaska, and First National Bank Alaska.
For more information or to host a book collection site, contact Senator Wielechowski or Kendra Kloster at 907-269-0120 or Amanda Hutchins at thread Alaska 907-265-3111.
Learning doesn't start at kindergarten, it begins at birth. That is why thread is committed to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of child care for all Alaskans. thread is Alaska's statewide child care resource and referral network of professionals who work individually with families and early educators to ensure that they are knowledgeable and supported in guiding children to lifelong success.
